Some embodiments are directed to a processor based control system for enabling users to configure implementation of software updates to a vehicle system. The system can include a processor based controller that is configured to perform a first searching step that includes searching for software updates to the system, and a second downloading step that includes downloading software updates to the system that are discovered in the first searching step. The processor based controller can be configured so that each of the first searching step and the second downloading step can be implemented in either an automatic mode or a manual mode. The system can also include a user interface that is configured to enable each of the first searching step and the second downloading step to be manually set in either the automatic mode or the manual mode.